Four-year-old Ruby K. proudly displays a small American flag prior to Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Her parents spread a blanket beneath the branches of a large oak tree in the park-like setting of the Cemetery. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

The Most Rev. Gregory L. Parkes listens to one of the altar servers prior to commencement of Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Some of the other celebrants included Calvary Chaplain Fr. Hugh Chikawe, Vicar General for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Msgr. Robert Morris and the bishop’s priest secretary, Fr. Ralph D’Elia. was the main celebrant with Msgr. Robert Morris, Msgr. Michael Devine is shown seated behind the altar. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Christine Watts reads the First Scripture reading at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Msgr. Robert Morris proclaims the Gospel during Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Msgr. Morris is Vicar General for the Diocese of St. Petersburg and Pastor at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Clearwater. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Some of the faithful stand beneath one of the heritage oak trees during proclamation of Gospel during Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Some attendees spread blankets on the grass, some sat beneath canopies while others took advantage of the natural shade. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

“Our gathering here today is noble as we pray for those who have given their life,” Bishop Parkes tells the faithful as he preaches the homily at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Bishop Parkes raises the chalice with the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ during the Consecration of the Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery as Msgr. Michael Devine looks on at right. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

A young communicant kneels as she receives the Eucharist at Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Bishop Parkes leads a round of applause for those who assisted with Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. At left is Msgr. Robert Morris and at right, Calvary Chaplain, Father Hugh Chikawe. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.

Bishop Parkes blesses the graves of priests who are buried adjacent to the altar after Mass on Memorial Day at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. From left to right are Father Hugh Chikawe, Father Ralph D’Elia, Bishop Parkes and Msgr. Robert Morris, VG. | Photo: © 2023 Ed Foster Jr.